One of the sport’s most historic brands, Babolat’s tennis story began all the way back in 1875, when, utilising their expertise in the processing of natural gut for musical instruments and archery bows, Pierre Babolat and his team produced the first ever natural gut racket string.
A series of innovations followed, including the tension-resistant Babolat VS string in 1925, which remains popular today, through to the Cordynel – the world’s first electric stringing machine – in 1981. The Lyon-based brand are also responsible for some of the most technologically advanced synthetic strings on the market, such as the RPM and Xcel ranges. In short, they are the masters of strings.
But what about rackets? It might surprise you to learn that Babolat’s first range of rackets was released relatively recently, with another Pierre Babolat, great grandson of the family company’s founder, creating the Pure line in 1994.
Having cleverly gifted their frames to talented up-and-comers, Babolat’s name began to ring out on the pro circuit, chiefly thanks to the Pure Drive. After Carlos Moya won the French Open in ’98 using the power-focused racket, Andy Roddick and Kim Clijsters became ATP and WTA No.1s with the same frame in 2003. A couple of years later, a youthful Rafael Nadal won his first Slam title, conquering Roland-Garros with the Aeropro Drive, which was specifically designed to suit his spin-based play.
Nowadays, Babolat split their rackets into three categories: the Pure Drive for power, the Pure Aero for spin, and the Pure Strike for control. Each series comes in a range of headsizes and weights to suit all ages, body types, and skill levels, with comfort-focused EVO editions available for players who prioritise fun and gradual improvement.
Babolat Pure Aero Junior 26 Rafa
Play like Rafael Nadal with the Babolat Pure Aero Junior 26 Rafa in Yellow/Orange/Purple, featuring a special edition colour scheme in honour of the man himself, Rafael Nadal.
It’s about time, right? Finally, after a decade and a half of dominance, Rafael Nadal has his very first signature racket. Behold, the Babolat Pure Aero Rafa. You might have seen him holding it aloft at the French Open when he secured a landmark 20th Grand Slam title – now, the stunning limited edition frame is available for all players to enjoy. To give young players the chance to play like Rafa, the Babolat Pure Aero Junior 26 features all the same technology as the full-size racket Nadal uses on tour, but in a shorter length, lightweight frame. Aeromodular3 technology reduces wind drag to allow that recognisable Rafa ripped forehand, while FSI Spin combines with an open 16/19 string pattern to maximise spin potential.
It’s about time, right? Finally, after a decade and a half of dominance, Rafael Nadal has his very first signature racket. Behold, the Babolat Pure Aero Rafa. You might have seen him holding it aloft at the French Open when he secured a landmark 20th Grand Slam title – now, the stunning limited edition frame is available for all players to enjoy. To give young players the chance to play like Rafa, the Babolat Pure Aero Junior 26 features all the same technology as the full-size racket Nadal uses on tour, but in a shorter length, lightweight frame. Aeromodular3 technology reduces wind drag to allow that recognisable Rafa ripped forehand, while FSI Spin combines with an open 16/19 string pattern to maximise spin potential.
Babolat
Spin Racket
Spin rackets typically have open string patterns – fewer strings with more space between them – to allow the strings more “bite” on the ball and make it easier to produce spin. They often have specially designed grommets that increase the effect, along with aerodynamic frames for faster racket speed through the air.
Features
• Special edition paintjob celebrating Rafa’s 20-year partnership with Babolat
• “Rafa” on throat
• Headsize: 645 sq. cm / 100 sq. in
• Weight: 250g / 8.8oz
• Flexibility: 64RA
• Length: 660mm / 26in
• Balance: 325mm
• String Pattern: 16/19
Additional Information
- Quick Ref: 237596
- Man. Ref: 140425-352
